Mind games? Guinea coach skips presser with ‘no valid reason’: He didn’t want to be here!

Guinea coach Paulo Duarte refused to attend a presser ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Bafana Bafana.

The two nations are in Group D of the qualifiers alongside Eritrea and co-host Kenya. Initially, the information that came was that the tactician was sick and couldn’t attend the mandatory press conference.

The National Elephants’ Team Liaison Officer Jesse Kalalu gave a different reason when asked about the whereabouts of the 57-year-old.

Why did Duarte miss the presser?

“So there’s no valid reason for the head coach not being here, he just didn’t want to come and instead wanted to focus his attention on the pitch,” Kalalu responded when asked about the coach.

“I tried to convince him to come to the press conference but he didn’t want to be here

“The coach decided against being here, not because he is facing any pressure, we don’t think he is. The team is very motivated, and they really want to impress and get a result against Bafana Bafana on Saturday,” midfielder Mory Konate further added.

Bafana Bafana squad to play Guinea

Here are the men coach Pitso Mosimane selected to face Guinea who failed to qualify for the 2025 edition and are winless in the last four games played.

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss (Both Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Sibisi (All Orlando Pirates).

Matchday is calling! 🇿🇦⚽️ Get ready to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they face off against Guinea in a massive clash. Secure your spot, bring your green and gold, and let’s make it a full house!

📍 Orlando Stadium, Soweto
📆 Sat 26 Sept 2026
🕑 Kick-off 15:00 (Gates open at… pic.twitter.com/lqJU1kAbwL

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 9, 2026

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (Both Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Durban City)

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews, Themba Zwane (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Yanela Mbuthuma, Oswin Appollis (Both Orlando Pirates), Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Thapelo Maseko (Copenhagen), Luther Singh (AEL Limassol), Shandre Campbell (Kortrijk), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates).